Tropical Storm Douglas is on a weakening trend, with decreasing thunderstorm activity and warming cloud tops. The storm's low-level circulation and shallow eye-like feature persist despite the waning uplift of air.
A common genetic defect affects neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by impairing microglial waste removal. This leads to accumulation of toxic protein deposits, triggering inflammatory reactions that promote further nerve-cell loss.
Columbia researchers have observed the fractional quantum Hall effect in bilayer graphene, demonstrating a controllable phase transition by applying electric fields. The team's breakthrough allows for tuning of the charge density and identification of exotic non-abelian states with potential for quantum computation.
A team of scientists discovered a protein named IL23A that is produced as an immune response to bacterial infection, which leads to gastric cancer. The production of IL23A by stomach cells requires the tumour suppressor gene RUNX3.
The Great Barrier Reef's rezoning has led to the creation of green zones, protecting 30% of the reef and conserving biodiversity. The plan also minimizes impacts on fishing industries while increasing fish and shark populations in protected areas.
Researchers have ruled out the 'Production-Line Hypothesis', which suggested that faulty chromosomes are more common in eggs produced later in a woman's reproductive life. The study found no relationship between a woman's age and chromosome crossovers, suggesting other factors may be involved.
A new study by San Diego State University researchers reveals that inhabited coral islands significantly alter their surrounding reef ecosystems, disturbing microbes, corals, algae, and fish. The study found that certain types of bacteria can predict whether a reef is dominated by coral or algae.
Researchers analyzed the plumage of a newly discovered Archaeopteryx specimen, revealing previously unknown features of its feathers. The findings suggest that feathers evolved for functions other than flight, such as insulation and display, before being co-opted for aerial abilities.
Scientists have developed a new technique to observe root development in 3D and in real-time, allowing them to track cell movements and capture the formation of new roots. This breakthrough could help plant breeders select crops more resistant to drought and flooding.
A laboratory study has found that taking into consideration both the current and previous orders in flexible joints can significantly reduce energy consumption. The researchers used polynomial or fractional order reconstructions, which may be of interest for robot elbows and wrists, with potential savings up to 40%.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that a gene deletion linked to schizophrenia alters brain cell skeletons, disrupting layer formation. Researchers also identify a crucial protein involved in building cellular skeletons, which may contribute to the condition.
A team of researchers, including Smithsonian paleoanthropologist Richard Potts, suggests that human traits evolved separately and at different times rather than all together. This flexibility likely enhanced the ability of human ancestors to adapt to unstable environments and disperse from Africa.
Researchers estimate that the reduction of soil carbon stock caused by converting pasture areas to sugarcane plantations can be offset within two or three years. The study found that the introduction of sugarcane to pasture areas can compensate for or even add to the initial soil carbon stock, depending on management practices.
Researchers describe a new strategy that pinpoints a genetic variant predisposing individuals to schizophrenia and reveals deficits in nerve development. The study uses induced pluripotent stem cells to identify CYFIP1 as a critical gene maintaining nerve cell structure.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that can predict the development of celiac disease in infants. The study found a significantly higher risk for celiac disease among Swedish children compared to their European counterparts.
A nationwide clinical trial is being conducted to determine whether a commonly used probiotic can safely and effectively treat infants and toddlers with acute gastroenteritis. The five-year study will involve approximately 900 children at various medical centers, assessing symptoms and health outcomes over multiple months.
A CNIO team updates the number of human protein-coding genes to 19,000, with almost all having ancestors prior to primate evolution. The study suggests that differences between humans and primates are small, and complexity lies in gene regulation and non-coding regions.
A recent study published in Cell Press found that high levels of a molecule called heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are linked to poor metabolic health and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in obese humans.
A new study published in Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that thirty-five percent of adults with dyslexia reported being physically abused before age 18, compared to seven percent without dyslexia. The study suggests a possible link between childhood physical abuse and the development of dyslexia.
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp have optics generating ultraviolet color vision using mycosporine-like amino acids as built-in biological sunscreen filters. The complex eyes detect polarized colors and navigate through the reef without processing visual information in the brain.
Australian researchers advise incorporating water use into climate change policies, as energy-efficient technologies can also reduce water consumption. The study analyzed 74 options and found that renewable options and energy efficiency measures can help save nearly 100 Mmᶾ of water in Australia annually.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified a chemical switch controlling neuron generation and survival in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and stroke victims. This switch, MEF2, may be a potential therapeutic target to protect against neuronal loss in various neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Monash and Melbourne Universities have determined the basic structure of one of two known families of deceptive proteins used by viruses. The discovery is an important step towards producing better vaccines and drugs to fight viral disease.
Researchers have developed a microfluidic technique to fabricate molecular sieving membranes inside hollow polymer fibers, offering a potential solution to large-scale energy-intensive chemical separations. The new process could cut costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in industries such as petrochemicals.
Researchers discovered a specialized ligament structure in giraffes that prevents leg collapse under immense weight. The suspensory ligament, found in long-necked animals, enables giraffes to stand upright without active muscle engagement, reducing fatigue.
Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully produced a drug compound featuring the 5P12-Rantes molecule, which could prevent HIV from attaching to human cells. The facility has delivered its first batch of the compound to Mintaka Foundation for formulation as a vaginal cream for clinical trials in South America.
Researchers have found that modern maize has lost its ability to produce a defense chemical called E-β-caryophyllene, making it vulnerable to insects and pathogens. By introducing a gene from oregano, scientists were able to restore this chemical production, attracting beneficial nematode worms that kill corn rootworm larvae.
A new TB test uses a fluorescent substrate to detect the BlaC enzyme in sputum samples, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis. The device is portable, easy to use, and undercuts current methods, with a target price tag of less than $1000.
A rare case of a posterior spinal artery aneurysm caused by Ecstasy use has been reported, highlighting the risk of severe complications from recreational drug taking. The teenager's symptoms worsened after a week, leading to an emergency transfer and successful surgery.
Researchers found that an enzyme thought to reside only in mitochondria can also produce acetyl-CoA in the nucleus, leading to faster cancer cell growth. The discovery may have broader implications for understanding epigenetic regulation in various physiological and pathological conditions.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a metal-free chemical reaction to produce fully functional 1,2,3-triazoles, a key compound for pharmaceutical drugs. The new method expands the possibilities for creating complex compounds without relying on harmful heavy metals.
Researchers discovered a specialized bird pollination system in Axinaea flowers, where birds consume male reproductive organs to receive pollen and nutrients. This complex mechanism involves the 'bellows' organ, which blasts pollen onto the birds' beaks as they forage.
A chronic subdural haematoma was reported after a Motörhead concert, highlighting the potential dangers of headbanging. The case study suggests that heavy metal music's fast tempo may contribute to such injuries.
A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has developed a method to produce graphene ribbons with widths as low as three nanometers, transforming them into semiconductors with tunable electrical properties. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of nano-devices and atomic-scale components made from graphene.
Researchers discovered how beryllium changes the shape of immune system proteins, triggering an inflammatory response in the lungs. The findings describe a new form of immune response that combines elements of allergic hypersensitivity and autoimmunity, with potential for new therapeutic strategies.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a cloud-covered eye of Tropical Storm Arthur, which strengthened into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. The storm's center was expected to approach the coast in the hurricane warning area tonight, July 3.
Malnutrition is a significant problem in older adults due to chronic health conditions affecting dietary intake. A comprehensive geriatric analysis (CGA) includes nutrition screenings to address potential problems, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions involving healthcare providers.
Late-born dormice use power napping to catch up with earlier-born counterparts, achieving similar sizes by winter. This strategy also allows them to conserve energy and water during periods of food scarcity.
Scientists have found that the largest source of iron in the North Atlantic comes from dust blowing in from the Sahara desert, but other sources such as sediments also play a significant role. This discovery has important implications for understanding the carbon cycle and past climate change.
A team of scientists found that losing p62 in surrounding cells enhances tumor growth and progression. The study suggests therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment may be as important as targeting the tumor itself.
Researchers found that fruit flies' Toll pathway failed to respond to a fungal infection in space, while the Imd pathway remained robust. This knowledge may help NASA develop countermeasures for astronauts' weakened immune systems during long-duration space missions.
Computer simulations show that two knots on a DNA strand can interchange positions through a growing and diffusing knot mechanism. The swapping of positions is relevant for future technologies like nanopore sequencing, where long DNA strands are sequenced by being pulled through pores.
Research by Penn State scientists has debunked the existence of two controversial planets around dwarf star Gliese 581, which were believed to be prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life. The study confirms that signals from the stars' magnetic activity, not the planets themselves, caused the initial findings.
A team of 20 scientists monitored the 'heartbeats' of young stars using data from two space telescopes. They found that emerging stars pulsate slowly at first, then faster as they near ignition, revealing insights into their internal structures and ages.
Pediatric patients with intestinal failure often need gastrostomy tubes for long-term nutrition. Researchers found that prolonged tube use is associated with an increased risk of persistent fistulas. Early intervention may be necessary to prevent complications.
Four doctoral students at Washington University in St. Louis will train in mechanobiology, integrating biology with engineering and other disciplines. They will conduct research on various length scales and develop teaching skills through outreach activities.
A recent study by the University of Cadiz reveals five large accumulations of plastic debris in the open oceans, coinciding with major ocean gyres. The study estimates tens of thousands of tonnes of plastics on surface waters, influencing sea creatures' behavior and food chains.
Researchers found that psilocybin alters brain activity, increasing entropy in primitive networks linked to emotions and memory. The study suggests a physical representation of the 'mind expansion' experience, providing insight into psychedelic drugs' effects on consciousness.
Research reveals unhealthy food and drinks are common in kids' TV programs, with frequent positive portrayals and few negative outcomes, highlighting the need for balanced content.
Researchers have discovered the gene zic-1, which enables planarians to regenerate their heads after decapitation. The study suggests that this ancient mechanism could be used to create tissue organizers for enhancing injury repair in humans.
A study found that most women veterans support routine intimate partner violence (IPV) screening and comprehensive care. They also prefer transparent documentation and access to Veterans Health Administration resources. Researchers believe the VHA can serve as a national model for IPV screening and response.
A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identifies IRF4 as a key regulator of brown fat's thermogenic process, driving energy expenditure and cold tolerance. The findings provide a crucial clue to understanding how brown fat burns energy and may lead to the development of novel therapies for obesity and diabetes.
A study found that more left-handed men are born during November, December, and January, with 10.5% of left-handed men born during this period. The researchers suggest a hormonal cause, possibly related to the relative darkness during these months, which delays the maturation of the left brain hemisphere during embryonic development.
A new protease, Wss1, has been identified as a safeguarding factor that removes DNA-protein crosslinks, enabling cells to duplicate their genome. Cells lacking Wss1 are highly sensitive to damage and suffer from genomic instability.
The Great Barrier Reef is under severe threat due to the combined effects of natural El Nino phase, anthropogenic climate change and coastal development. The reef's resilience will be significantly impacted by degraded conditions caused by dredging activity and river runoff.
Tropical Depression 08W formed on July 3 with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots, moving west-northwestward. NASA's TRMM satellite captured rainfall data indicating strong bands of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour.
In Switzerland, campylobacteriosis case numbers have increased, particularly around Christmas and New Year. A study found that consuming meat fondue increases the risk of infection by four times, while proper hygiene practices can reduce the risk by up to five.
A new study finds that hospitals are complying with nutrition screening mandates, but need to improve follow-up assessments and diagnosis of malnutrition. The lack of clinician participation and inadequate training in caregivers hinder the effective treatment of malnutrition in patients.
A new psychological investigation found that most people find it difficult to concentrate when alone with their thoughts, preferring external activities instead. Researchers discovered that even older adults and those who prefer not to disengage from the world struggle with solo thinking.
Researchers provide new guidelines for treatment of children and youth exposed to acts of terror, emphasizing the need for proactive outreach efforts that continue for at least two years. The study also highlights the crucial role of teachers in providing trauma-informed support, ensuring students can continue learning despite trauma.